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Bristlecone pines are the oldest trees on earth. Taking on a ghostly image of short gnarled ancient wood.

 

The following is from sonic.net/bristlecone:

 

"Colossal Bristlecone Ghost"

Bristlecones have the ability to remain standing for centuries after death. Invasions from bacteria, fungus or insects that prey upon most plants, are unknown to the bristlecone due to their dense, highly resinous wood. The dry air common in the subalpine region can kill by desiccation, but also helps preserve the trees from rotting. When the tree eventually falls it is because the supporting roots finally decay or are undermined by erosion. This ghost is located on the northwestern limit of Schulman Grove and overlooks the snow covered Sierra Nevada to the west.

 

This tree is located on the east side of Patriarch Grove at 11,200 ft. of elevation, is one of the most picturesque of all bristlecones in the White Mts.

The winds can be extreme at this location, and the day this image was taken, they were blowing at a steady 50 mph. Standing alone in a field of dolomite one can only guess at how many seasons it has endured. One thing is certain - it will be here long after we living today have passed on.

 

"Along Methuselah Walk"

These trees located in Methuselah Grove are on a steep slope and in an area where trees reach 3000 - 4000 years of age. Very old trees are typically squat and gnarled, with many dead branches and large areas of exposed wood. In this grove, scientists have found several pieces of deadwood lying on the ground for more than 7000 years!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[www.sonic.net/bristlecone]